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Definition of Hiking Grade Symbols
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Hiking paths in the Catskill Mountains are generally harder, steeper, and more dangerous then other areas. While the Catskill Mountains are not very high, they are some of the steepest mountains in the United States. Numerous people are killed every year while hiking in the Catskill Mountains. Our grade of hiking trails are different then other areas. Conditions also change from season-to-season. They can also change hourly. An easy hike can turn to a very difficult, or even life threatening, with the weather.
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Easy Hiking Path
- Easy hiking paths in the Catskills Mountains generally have level hiking grade, and may increase up to 20%. They may also have minor rock climbs.
Intermediate Hiking Path
- Intermediate hiking paths in the Catskills Mountains generally have level hiking grade, and may increase up to 30%. They may also have rock fields, stream crossings, and more difficult climbs and terrains.
Difficult Hiking Path
- Difficult hiking paths in the Catskills Mountains generally require you to use your hands to climb up the path.
Very Difficult Hiking Path
- Difficult hiking paths in the Catskills Mountains generally require you to climb up small vertical walls while using your hands and feet. If you were to let go, you would fall and be injuried or killed.
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Definition of Hiking View Symbols
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1-Star Views
- Poor or NO views during this hike .
2-Star Views
- Fair views during this hike .
3-Star Views
- Good views during this hike .
4-Star Views
- Excellent views during this hike .
5-Star Views
- Exceptional views during this hike .
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Other Symbols
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Bathroom
- DEC Bathroom or outhouse by Lean-to.
Campground
- Authorized DEC campground or a location where the DEC has designed for you to pitch a tent along a hiking trail.
Cross Country Ski Trails
- A trail where you can either cross-country ski or back country ski.
Firetower
- Firetower at the top of the mountain.
Fishing
- Fishing stream, pond, or lake somewhere along the path. We usually don't list fishing for streams. But, most streams in the Catskill Mountains have excellent trout fishing.
Handicap trails
- Handicap trails in the Catskill Mountains. These trails are generally for ATV travel, and not for wheel chairs!
Horse trail
- Some trails in the Catskill Mountains allow horses.
Iceclimbing
- Some areas have good ice climbing in the Winter.
Lean-To
- The NYS DEC offers Log Lean-Tos in certain areas.
Picnic Table
- Some areas have picnic tables available.
Ranger Station
- Some areas can have a Ranger Station. Most of the areas are in NYS DEC campgrounds. Some Fire towers will also have Ranger Stations, which are staffed by volunteers.
Timber Rattlesnakes
- Most areas do NOT have poisonous snakes. But, on the eastern section there is a couple areas that do have a habitat of Timber Rattlesnakes. If you hike in these regions make sure you are up-to-date on rattlesnakes.
Rock Climbing
- Most areas of the Catskill Mountains have poor rock climbing opportunites. Most of the rock is rotten, and stable enough for climbing.
Snowmobile
- Some areas have snowmobile trails.
Snow Shoeing
- Virtually all of the mountains can be hiked with Snowshoes. Some hikes require crampons in addition to snowshoes.
Water Source
- May be a pipe in the ground, or a stream, or water dribbling out of the ground..
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